Messi to Lead Argentina as Captain in 2026 World Cup

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of the Argentina national football team, announced on Thursday that Lionel Messi will serve as the captain for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Messi, who is 38 years old, heads the 26-man squad unveiled by Scaloni.

Notably absent from the squad is Franco Mastantuono from Real Madrid. This World Cup will be significant for Messi as it marks his sixth appearance in the tournament, following his leadership in guiding Argentina to victory in Qatar four years prior.

The squad includes notable players such as Juan Musso, Gerónimo Rulli, Emiliano Martínez, and Lautaro Martínez, among others.